EngD Studentships

University of Bristol and University of Bath - Industrial Doctorate Centre in Systems

Salary £18,590

Project Description

This project will review how productivity improvements can be tackled by the use of robotics and automation in a flexible and lean light manufacturing environment.

Advances in robots, automation communications and sensor development now bring the prospect of increased throughput and hence productivity into reach for light engineering. New approaches and concepts are sought which will be more suited a dynamic and flexible environment. The opportunity to develop new knowledge and working with a skilled team to achieve improved productivity.  The work will be as much about developing a new systematic engineering approach using automation and robotics and how this can be linked more effectively with the current human interfaces driving manufacturing’s established approaches of lean, continuous improvement and cellular manufacturing.

The new approach will seek to develop a kaizen type methodology across hardware providers, manufacturing engineers and production groups in developing new flexible manufacturing processes. The aim will be to achieve the desired flexibility and not locking up capital assets with complex fixed machines and at the same time extending the benefits of automation/robotics in delivering quality and consistency of production and without introducing new risks.

The work will provide the Research Engineer (RE) with exciting challenges and opportunities, firstly where the RE will develop a systemic approach to development, linking human and technology advancement based on using specialist skills in robotics and machine systems in new ways.

Secondly finding solutions in a real industrial setting where the complexity of the process in producing a wide variety of products can cause barriers in the business in using automation effectively.

Technical challenges will be faced in linking a wide variety of robot types through complex manufacturing processes while retaining simplicity and flexibility.

Steps

• Familiarisation with robotics and automation technology that will involve an extensive range of machines
• Understanding the methods and the technology that the company and suppliers use to make product and how this developed in a continuous improvement and lean environment to achieve productivity.
• Developing familiarity with simulation software and then use this in new and challenging ways in kaizen processes to identify opportunities.

Requirements on candidates

• Have a minimum of an upper second (2.1) class honours degree (or equivalent) in engineering subject or related discipline; A masters is desirable.
• A numerate subject (e.g. engineering) or related field (e.g. mathematics, physics). 
• Subject specialism; some experience in manufacturing or robotics/automation will be required, though not necessarily the most important requirement as is an interest and awareness in the field of manufacturing development, kaizen or business development. 

To see full description please click 'Apply' below.

Funding

A tax-free EPSRC stipend (£15,090 for 2012/2013) is available for the successful candidate, enhanced by a minimum contribution of £3,500 from the Company-sponsor.

Standard EPSRC studentship eligibility applies; please check your eligibility before applying. Non-eligible individuals are welcome to apply, but must be able to find alternative funding.

Contacts

Academic contact: For further details regarding the research project specifically, please contact Dr Necip Sahinkaya M.N.Sahinkaya@bath.ac.uk, Department Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath. 

Administrative contact: engdadmin@management.bath.ac.uk

Position open until filled